Recipe

Pickled Herring with Onions and Mustard Seeds

Nordic Delight: Tangy Pickled Herring with a Mustard Twist

4.5 out of 5

This recipe is a classic Norwegian dish called Sursild. It features tender herring fillets marinated in a tangy vinegar-based brine, complemented by the subtle sweetness of onions and the aromatic touch of mustard seeds.

Seafood› Fish Dish› Saltwater Fish Dish› Sursild

European cuisine› Northern European cuisine› Nordic cuisines› Norwegian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

5 minutes

Total time

25 minutes (plus at least 24 hours of marinating time)

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Pescatarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Low-carb, Keto-friendly

Allergens

Fish (herring)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Nut-free, Egg-free, Soy-free

Ingredients

500g (1.1 lb) herring fillets, deboned 500g (1.1 lb) herring fillets, deboned
2 onions, thinly sliced 2 onions, thinly sliced
1 cup (240ml) white vinegar 1 cup (240ml) white vinegar
1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
1/4 cup (50g) sugar 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
1 tablespoon mustard seeds 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
Carbohydrates: 6g (Sugar: 5g)
Protein: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
Rinse the herring fillets under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2.
In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, mustard seeds, salt, and black peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the brine cool to room temperature.
4.
Place the herring fillets and sliced onions in a glass or ceramic dish, layering them alternately.
5.
Pour the cooled brine over the herring and onions, ensuring they are fully submerged.
6.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
7.
Serve the pickled herring cold, either as an appetizer or as part of a traditional Norwegian smorgasbord.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Herring fillets — Ensure that the herring fillets are deboned before using them in the recipe to avoid any unwanted bones in the final dish.

Tips & Tricks

For a milder flavor, you can soak the herring fillets in cold water for a few hours before pickling them.
Serve the pickled herring with rye bread or crispbread for an authentic Norwegian experience.
Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar in the brine according to your taste preferences.

Serving advice

Serve the pickled herring as an appetizer alongside sliced cucumbers, boiled potatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with fresh dill for an extra touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pickled herring fillets on a platter, garnishing them with thinly sliced red onions and a sprinkle of mustard seeds. Serve with a side of rye bread or crispbread.